The Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII Hip Recalls and Subsequent Lawsuits
In July, 2012, Stryker Corporation issued a recall for the Rejuvenate and ABGII hip implants. These devices had been on the market barely more than two years at the time of the recall. When Stryker marketed the implants, they claimed the devices would be perfect for the younger, more active patient. The design of the two Stryker implants was extremely unique, in that there were a variety of stem and neck pieces in different lengths and angles, allowing surgeons to custom-fit the device to the patient according to body size, gender and level of activity. The design also implemented a ceramic, rather than a metal ball, which Stryker claimed made it much safer than other metal-on-metal hip implants, and less likely to shed cobalt and chromium metal ion debris due to Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII fretting and corrosion.
Following the recall, it was determined that the implants also were prone to experiencing Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII hip cross ionization due to the use of a titanium stem and a cobalt and chromium neck. Further, the Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII hip trunnions, located at either end of the neck piece were found to trap body fluids, leading to further corrosion and the release of cobalt and chromium ions into the body. Following the Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII hip recalls, lawsuits were filed against the company; presently there are in excess of 2,300 lawsuits, with many more expected as the statute of limitations grows near.
Many wonder whether Stryker will follow in Johnson & Johnson’s footsteps; last November, J & J announced it would pay $2.5 billion to settle with approximately 8,000 plaintiffs who brought suit against J & J’s subsidiary, DePuy, alleging the recalled ASR hip implants failed soon after implantation. Thus far, Stryker has not admitted that level of responsibility, although seventeen Stryker cases have been settled through mediation. More cases are being chosen as bellwether cases and are set for trial in the summer of 2015. If you suffered injury from a Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII hip implant, it is important that you speak to a Wyoming Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII hip lawyer about the possibility of filing a Wyoming Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII hip lawsuit.
The Wyoming Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII Hip Statute of Limitations
and How It May Affect You
All states have a statute of limitations which governs the length of time consumers have to file a product liability case. The Wyoming Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII hip statute of limitations requires civil action for a product liability case to be brought within four years of the date the injury occurs. While this statute is a bit longer than that of many states (the average is two years), it is important that you not become complacent, believing you have plenty of time in which to file your Wyoming Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII hip lawsuit. It can be difficult to determine exactly when your injury occurred, and only a knowledgeable Wyoming Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII hip lawyer can determine the exact time your statutes will run, while protecting your rights and your interests. If you are a resident of the following locales—or any other areas in Wyoming, you are strongly encouraged to speak to a Wyoming Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII hip lawyer.
· Casper, Wyoming
· Laramie, Wyoming
· Gillette, Wyoming
· Rock Springs, Wyoming
· Sheridan, Wyoming
· Green River, Wyoming
· Evanston, Wyoming